Effective Pastoral & Lay Leadership

And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, ‘He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.’ He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God.” - 2 Corinthians 9:8-12

Effective pastoral and lay leadership is in the center of the Inspiring Generosity cycle because it is central to the success of all the ways in which generosity is nurtured in the congregation. Inspiring generosity in the congregation is a team effort that includes both pastors and lay leaders. Strong stewardship leaders – whether ordained or not – personally embrace stewardship as a joyful way of life. Qualities such as generosity, a positive attitude, good communication skills, and a mature faith that incorporates trust in God’s abundance enable us to effectively minister to others and invite them to grow with us in generosity and faith.

To effectively lead in this area requires study, thought, reflection and group sharing. Here are some ideas:

• Read a book together and talk about it at your next meeting.

• Open each meeting with a devotional on money and faith.

• Use the “money autobiography” for personal and small group reflection.

• Join a Lay or Clergy Stewardship Community of Practice to share inspirational and practical ideas and support with other stewardship leaders in your area.

• Commit as a leadership group within your church to give in proportion to your blessings and to grow that percentage over time.

Use the resources on the list at the right to prepare yourself and your stewardship committee for leadership that will bring blessings upon your congregation and your own life.

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Permission granted to local churches to copy materials for their own use. Please direct questions or comments about this site to Tiffany Vail